Sa'Myah Smith leads DeSoto over Duncanville and back to Texas 6A girls basketball state tournament
Sa'Myah Smith scored 17 points to lead the DeSoto girls basketball team to a 60-47 victory over Duncanville in the 6A Region II final on Saturday.
With the victory the Eagles (33-2) are headed to the Texas (UIL) state tournament for the third time in four years.
It was the third meeting between the two teams this year -- and DeSoto swept all three.
The Eagles jumped out to a quick start in the first half, building an early eight-point lead. Struggles from the field and free throw line in the third quarter allowed Duncanville to get back in the game, but the Eagles went on a run late in the quarter to extend their lead to nine.
“I think we just ended up getting our composure back,” said Eagles head coach Andrea Robinson. “We settled down a little bit offensively and we were able to get buckets at the right time.”
The Eagles pulled away in the fourth, forcing the Pantherettes into several missed shots and turnovers.
Smith led the way on offense and also played crucial interior defense down the stretch to secure the win.
“It’s always hard coming into the regional finals and beating anybody,” said Robinson. “To be able to beat Duncanville, I mean it’s always tough. I’m really excited for our ladies to be able to get back to San Antonio. People think it’s easy, but it’s never easy to do what we’re doing.”
As for Duncanville, their remarkable season comes to a somber end. Duncanville executive school principal Michael McDonald offered words of encouragement to the Lady Pantherettes and shared his thoughts on the impact they have created in their local community.
“Pantherette basketball is huge in Duncanville,” he said. “We’re called a city of champions and we’ve earned that because of what our basketball has done the last couple of years. The impact has been huge because it brings people together, brings the community together, and the school together. I’m proud of our girls.”
The Eagles will play South Grand Prairie in the 6A state semifinals on Friday night in the Alamodome in San Antonio.
